ONE DAY WITHOUT THE INTERNET

 

It was a regular Thursday morning. The morning rush of packing two kids off to school leaves me exhausted. However, today, there was no time to rest. The assignment I had been working on for two weeks was due that day. I had to upload the files onto the client’s server by 4 p.m. sharp.

Finishing breakfast quickly and cooking lunch, I hurriedly sat down to work. To give you a brief I work as a freelance fashion illustrator. I work from Home. All my projects are received and delivered over the internet.

A few last-minute picture references needed to be downloaded to corroborate my designs... An hour’s work on the internet, a thorough look over the entire pdf, and finally, upload. Yes! My day was planned to the tee.

As I logged onto Google, up came a blank page. “Your internet connection is deactivated.”

I closed the browser window, checked my Wi-Fi settings, and tried again. Unsuccessful!

I tried connecting to the internet on my smartphone. No luck. On checking my text messages I found the answer to my misery. A message from the internet service provider. It said that due to maintenance work outside our apartment the internet connection would be disabled for the entire day!

Panic-stricken I called my neighbor who was kind enough to say that the connection might be restored by 7 p.m. otherwise the next morning. All hell broke loose... How will I be able to meet the deadline today? Cyber cafes existed a decade ago... do we have them now? Being so used to 24*7 WIFI CONNECTIVITY I felt lost. It was a strange feeling like I was marooned on an island. Completely isolated and cut off from the world.

It’s tough to imagine that the Internet is an invention as recent as the 1990s. Before that, the public did not have access to the World Wide Web. An invention so recent is now an integral part of our lives. All of us are connected at some point in the day to the internet. Most people start their day by checking their emails or WhatsApp notifications. Social media, OTT Entertainment, YouTube, and Online Shopping keep the public glued to the Web. For me and lots of professionals, the internet is a means of income. You can access stock markets and commodity exchanges worldwide over the Internet. The World Economy, Healthcare, and, Education survived the Covid 19 crisis thanks to the INTERNET.

No internet access can be crippling.

 

A kind friend agreed to let me use a workstation at her office with a Wi-Fi connection. Packing my laptop I rushed there and was able to upload my assignment successfully. Once back home I realized that the kids were late! They should have been home by now! I dialed the number of the school van driver. It was unavailable. As the home internet connection was still deactivated I could not access the GPRS locator of the school Van. WhatsApp messages on the school Mom’s Group would buzz with information. I was not receiving any. Panic attack no.2! Frantically trying to call the parents of kids who shared the same van. One parent reassured me that the bus had had a flat tyre a few kilometers from school. The van had stopped en route and the driver had managed to fix it. The kids would be home in less than 10 minutes. Phew! I breathed a sigh of relief!

 

It was 5 p.m. by the time the children reached home. Hungry, exhausted, and cranky. My little one ate her snack and wanted to curl up on the bed with her iPad to watch videos on YouTube kids.

It’s her way of relaxing. As there was no internet she could only watch videos that had been downloaded before on the device. She soon got bored and threw a fit! Oh my! As if my day couldn’t get worse! It took a lot of my energy and patience to calm her down. She blackmailed me into calling a friend home for a play date. I thought she was too tired to play!!

It was the elder one’s turn now. His science Homework due the next day needed him to do research on the internet. Oh no! Again we tumbled into the car- 3 kids, a laptop, and I. We headed to a café nearby that offered free Wi-Fi. Sipping on some much-needed strong coffee I thought about how my kids’ lives were also so Internet dependent. Young and Old find it difficult to manage even a day without internet connectivity.

The light of the Wi-Fi signal turned green only at 7.45 that night. I remember the time so clearly because of the loud shrieks that the kids let out! Just minutes before their bedtime and they were able to get some online gaming and Youtubing. Finally, both slept peacefully. Exhausted, I too decided to call it a day. Hey, Wait! I had a full day’s mail and messages to catch up on! Sleep could wait! The Internet was on. Welcome back, dear friend! 

 

 

 

WITHIN ME FOREVER

 WITHIN ME FOREVER

This year I turn 10. Do not be astonished, I am not talking about my age. It is going to be a decade since I became a Mom. When you step into motherhood. Not only do you bring a new life into the world, but get a whole new life yourself. EVERYTHING changes in this new avatar. Frankly, I am becoming ten this Diwali.

Ten long years- yet, I can remember almost every bit of my journey. Each milestone that my firstborn encountered - is engraved on my mind. I can see it clearly and vividly. How the nurse pointed out his finely shaped eyebrows as she laid him into my arms, the clothes he had worn on the day of the first vaccine, his first proper meal, his favorite song. The first day of playschool, nursery, etc., etc. Do you get what I mean? 

However, it is just the opposite of the second one. What happened? Did I close my eyes in exhaustion by the time she started taking her first steps? Maybe, I just settled down as a mother. The second kid sorts you out as a parent. You learn to treat your kids as kids. And stop being obsessed with the creatures. I graduated from being a scout on constant ATTENTION to one AT EASE.

It is generally this way for children born second or third in any family. These kids learn to find their way around better than their elder siblings. Parents become wiser and let the child be; without fussing unnecessarily as they do for their firstborn. Although I get it often "you love Bhaiya, more than me!" no one believes it. My younger one is as spoilt as the first, if not more. She’s “The Smarty” who gets her way every time! IN EVERYTHING!

Pretty often I find myself admonishing my kids in the same manner that my Mother used to. I've become MY MOM reincarnate - I never thought I would. I hated her, all through my years of growing up. So often I get the same treatment from my brats when I'm strict and enforcing rules. They Hate Me! 

This is the experience of being a Parent. It's like a rollercoaster ride. At one time you are at a peak and the next minute you come hurtling down. Before you can take a breath, there comes a steep turn that makes your body stretch like an elastic band. You must hold tight, fasten the seatbelt and be ready to SCREAM! Don't hop on the ride if you want to keep your sanity intact. You’ve got to get your hands dirty, your clothes and hair all messed up, and, end up breathless! Then be prepared for the ride to start all over again!!! 

Parenting is tough and challenging, nonetheless an exhilarating experience!

My kids are my responsibility. They didn't choose to be born, that choice was mine. Whatever it takes, I will do my best to give them the best. I owe it to them. Education, learning, values, skills- professional and interpersonal – all-around excellence. That's our endeavor. All moms and dads want the same. We all try to do the best for our children. There are no rules to Parenting. It’s unfair to judge anyone’s parenting. Some moms are hardworking, some are lazy, some mothers are over-cautious and some are laid back. Some like me are strict while others are lenient. The key as Lord Buddha said, is in finding - The Middle Path. I'm yet to trudge upon it.

If I take extra care and make meals as per the choice of the children- I’m making them fussy. If sometimes I just want to let go and keep it simple- I’m lazy. If the mother shows her affection towards her kids- she’s pampering them and being overprotective. However, if she treats them normally- she’s rude and indifferent! Phew! Take the rough with the smooth- we all sail through- I HOPE!

Despite the hardships, the better part of motherhood is- The Children. To be able to hold and care for your own. Little hands, tiny feet, and chubby chins to cuddle and watch them grow. Unconditional kisses and hugs can brighten up the darkest of days. I see a reflection of myself in their sparkling eyes. Bringing them up makes me relive my childhood, my fantasies, and my dreams. I’m never alone as I’ve found best friends in my two darlings. Kids can be molded by love and care. That’s the only rule that you can follow. 

We, new-age moms want our kids to be as independent as possible. I’m no different. “When will you eat on your own? Why can’t you go down without me accompanying you?” You must do most of your tasks on your own, I can’t help you always” These are common laments I’ve made. However, as they turn older and more independent I miss being needed all the time. “Chill Ma, I’ll do it on my own.” I strangely miss the times when I sat long hours beside him with the Math and Phonics.

“Mom, I’m going down!” yells the younger brat and before I can say Jack Nicholson, the door slams shut. I feel lost…. Too early isn’t it for the empty nest syndrome to settle in? Within minutes she’s back, tears rolling down her cheeks. Some kids pulled her hair and teased her. I must go and teach them a lesson!! 

“Mamma, will you help me?”

 “Sure darling, I’ll always help you!” I reply beaming.

We can’t hold onto our children. It's important to let go and have no expectations. May their dreams take them to unprecedented heights and their endeavors meet success unparalleled.

As life unfolds, they will encounter disappointment, heartbreak, and anguish. In moments when they need me, I will be there. Physically or emotionally We parents will be there to support our kids. That little light that came from me will be Within Me, Forever.

The Melting Pot

 Summer is over with a BANG! Quite literally, I’d say. A few days back, I was caught in a car crash- hit headlong by a speeding bike from the opposite side. In a flash, the airbags were out, the windshield smashed and curls of smoke began rising. I felt I had reached heaven. Alas, the doors of heaven aren’t open for me yet. Fortunately, I escaped unhurt apart from a few bruises and a bleeding lip. The accident did much more to me than just that, surely.

Remember how we empty a packet of biscuits into a jar? A bang on the jar sorts them into their places, making room for a few more. That’s what this jolt did to me. It sorted out my head and allowed the negativity to escape, making room for the forgotten feeling of gratitude to settle in again. Thankful for being alive, happy, and writing again.

Let’s start at the beginning of summer. As school vacations began, we set off, bound westward!! After 3 long years thanks to the pandemic, I am heading to the city that is characterized by its unique essence and vibrancy. Mumbai, the city where I grew up, studied, and laid the most important foundations of my life!

Welcome to Mumbai—the warm and sultry air hits you almost like an old friend greeting you with a friendly slap on your back.

Each day, millions of people enter this megapolis hoping to fulfill their dreams, make a fortune, or just plain have a good time like me. Mumbai disappoints nobody.

 

 The best part, I feel, about the city is the sea. It travels along the island’s length from South Mumbai to the North. You can either visit the iconic and picturesque Marine Drive or catch it at Chowpatty Girgaum. If you are a love-struck couple, head to Bandra Bandstand for the perfect evening by the water. For families with pesky kids, Juhu beach is ideal, or you can head as far as Gorai creek on your journey with the sea. The Sea Link, connecting the suburbs and the city, is spectacular and a drive over it by night time is not to be missed.

 

Shopping is what most head to Mumbai for. Apart from the malls, there are amazing wholesale and local markets in every locality. Dadar market, Santacruz, Fashion Street, Linking Road, Crawford market, etc., the list is endless. All the best designers have their outlets in Mumbai. My favorite shopping haunt in the city is Colaba Causeway. Globe trotters have this colorful market on their bucket list. Try the shoes, bags, and clothes on the streets or walk into any one of the swanky boutiques. Nobody walks out of those streets with empty hands- no one, trust me.

 

Mumbai is called the Financial Capital of India. You can smell money on the streets. Every dinner conversation in the city eventually steers towards real estate and property prices. The sums range between 5 and 100 crores! It is one of the most expensive cities in the world, yet there are innumerable ways to explore Mumbai without making a big dent in your pocket. Bollywood and the Hindi Television Industry call Mumbai home. Celebrities can be spotted easily in any of the swanky boutiques, pubs, or salons in the elite western suburbs of Khar and Bandra.

 

What I hold dear about this city is its affability. The indomitable spirit of Mumbai! It’s easy to make friends here, Strike up a conversation on a common topic with a stranger-I do it often, People don’t judge too much... Which is the case in small cities, I can walk down the streets to pick up my groceries wearing shorts and a tee and with a messy bun without as much as a whisper, I couldn’t even dream of doing this in Coimbatore. Here I see people in supermarkets with Louis Vuitton bags and perfect make-up-buying tomatoes!!!

People mind their own business and avoid interfering in the decisions of others. This attitude, however, has its downsides. It can get very lonely in this big, bad city. Everyone’s caught in the grind. They are too busy doing their thing. I have many friends in Mumbai, but I have to make appointments to meet up with them when I'm in town!!

 

They may be few, but my friends here in our small town of Coimbatore are the best! Always ready to help, just a call away. If I’m down in the dumps, they’d surely be around to catch up for lunch and cheer me up! 

The city of Mumbai is like a Melting Pot where diverse communities, classes, talents, ideas, and individuals simmer. They merge and blend, losing their individuality and taking on a new hue and identity. High-rise, multi-storeyed apartments coexist with the filthiest of slums here. Beautiful driveways coexist with corners overflowing with waste disposal yards. Unbelievable, yet true. Each familiar alley leads to something unknown. A dip in this melting pot brings out new emotions and stirs my senses, awakening a restlessness and creativity that keeps me charged. Till the Melting Pot beckons again.....

HORN PLEASE! I'M OK

                   HORN PLEASE! I'M OK

 

Indian Summers can be excruciating, to say the least. If you have the misfortune of being stuck in traffic in South India on a sweltering, summer afternoon, you'd agree. Air conditioning does not help much, trust me.

          So here I am, on my way to pick up my daughter from school- correctly 1.45 pm on the penultimate day of March. Caught in a traffic jam – an unending line of vehicles ahead. And a sea of them around me….We move, then stop. The minutes tick by but the wait seems endless. Restless people in their vehicles look around for some answers. When will this traffic move? When the signal turns green, I guess? The car behind me honks, then the biker beside, and soon it's cacophony all around!

We move, but a few yards on it's a halt, again! The futility of fretting dawns on me, and I turn up the music volume on the pen drive. Glancing around, I wonder why we call Life "A Journey?" It's a "Ride in Traffic" actually. Stay with me, and you'll begin to piece it together.

We are all waiting in our vehicles- some in fancy Limousines, .Mercedes, and Jaguars. Some are in their shiny SUVs, basic i10s, and comfortable hatchbacks, while others are on bikes, scooters or buses, and autos. Each vehicle is symbolic of a person's house, lifestyle, and worldly possessions. Each person carries their burdens of karma with them as luggage. We must steer our cars with the utmost care, or else someone will dash you. It's indeed, a dangerous world with everyone eyeing the other- ready to snatch and overthrow. As we are waiting for the traffic signs to say GO, we look around us and envy other people. The man in the Limousine is too high and mighty and continues talking to his co-rider (elite circle of family and friends). All the others want to be in his car – some stare with obvious envy, some with hatred, and the other contented lot look on.

          Life is an overcrowded road with other vehicles around us. These are the significant others in our lives. Family, friends, colleagues- all those who share our journey. As the green light glows we all gear up and move. Some move faster than the rest. They zoom ahead and out of sight. These are the ones who chase their dreams and race on, leaving others behind. Now they ride with other vehicles- new friends they meet and bond with. At some point the automobiles that were trailing caught up. As the saying goes- "The past comes catching up." Learn to let it go.

          You must have noticed that as soon as you start getting used to a pattern- it could be a lifestyle, a job, or maybe something as insignificant as a workout routine. You feel, "yeah, I'm doing great now- this is going to be smooth sailing." Up comes a sudden jolt, and things grind to a halt. Like the traffic light just turned red. You must wait till it changes color and then move, either on the same road or change course. I'm sure we've all experienced this. No matter how hard you make the attempts you will see the results only when the right time comes- When the light turns green, metaphorically speaking.

It's how we handle the waiting period, the 'stuck in the traffic mode' that defines us as humans. Some people enjoy each moment and live to the fullest converting every obstacle into an opportunity. Some bicker and bawl- feel frustrated, depressed turning to vices, etc. Others quietly wait. "Leave it till the time is right." Everyone goes through each phase- each traffic jam and comes out wiser in their unique way.

          We all know that ultimately The Green Light will beckon. It's inevitable. Each one must pass through once that happens to leave all the others behind. Yet, we hold on – to the road like it's never going to end. While waiting in traffic we get restless, annoyed, or start snacking! As the sweat drips, we beg the cars ahead to move. We bang our horns incessantly, step out and go check- "what's keeping the traffic so jammed" I'm going to miss my meeting!!!"  Loosen up, guys! Let's learn to jam in the Jam.

Go slow, it's going to be over soon. Enjoy the heat and dust and the wait. We know not when the time to get into gear and move on appears. Some will go straight, a few turns left, some right, and some might take a U-turn and join the Jam again!

"HONK, HONK"- the line is moving! Yay! I need to rush to pick up my poor girl still at school. Will I get stuck in the traffic on the way back home? I'll probably say, "HORN PLEASE, I'm OK!"